Acushnet Road Race is September 3

Thursday

Aug 30, 2012 at 11:28 AM

By JON HAGLOF

By JON HAGLOF

Sports Editor

ACUSHNET — Labor Day is right around the corner, and of course, with Labor Day comes the Acushnet Road Race.

This time around, Race Director John Braun, the usual crew of local volunteers, and of course, the home town team, the Acushnet Valley Striders, are gearing up for the 32nd annual installment, and the race is set to go off, as it always does, rain or shine, this coming Labor - Monday, Sept. 3.

The walking portion of the race, a 3.2 mile loop with a start and finish at the Ford Middle School, begins at 9:30 a.m., and the 4.1-mile run follows at 10 a.m. Registration is open now at www.jbrace.com.

Last year, more than 350 runners and walkers turned out on what was a near perfect morning for a run, and though it's still early in the registration process, if the weather cooperates, race organizers expect another big crowd in that 300-plus range.

Braun says last year's winners, Eric Narcisi on the men's side and Molly McCarthy for the women, have yet to register, so the individual race is wide open — no predictions there. But he is predicting another heated contest in the team competition.

The Whirlaway Running Club, out of Methuen, has won the men's team competition at the past two races, and local teams like the Acushnet Valley Striders and the Greater New Bedford Track Club would love to put an end to that win streak.

But Braun says the women's team race will be the one to watch, with three local teams gunning for the top spot.

Last year, the Greater New Bedford Track Club ladies ran off with the team title, and it really wasn't close, according to Braun. But it was a close call in the chase for second place, as the hometown Acushnet team edged out the Band of Misfits.

"A lot of the teams are just groups of people who run together, or who are friends, and they just like to get together and form these little teams and compete as a team. All the people from the different teams know each other, too, or run together," Braun said.

"But I think it's a little bit more competitive on the women's side, and I think the women will have a great race this year."

The local Acushnet teams are shaping up nicely, Braun says, and he expects another strong performance from the Striders. Daniel Couto, the top finisher among 50-plus Acushnet residents last year, Joe Fransisco, Fernando Costa, Keith Ellis and Marc Laplante make up the men's team, while the women are four strong, with Jennifer Almeida, Tarley Sumner, Kathleen Laplante and Anna Marshall, and looking for a fifth.

"We have two very, very solid Acushnet teams, so we're looking good there," Braun said.

Of course, the Acushnet Road Race isn't just for the competitive lot. In fact, those running "just for fun" far outnumber those looking to run at the front of the pack. And as one of the last races on the summer calendar, it's a good race for those looking to test their abilities after a summer of running, maybe a chance to shave a few good seconds from last year's time.

Mainly, Braun says, it's a community event, both for those participating and those cheering on the racers from the roadside.

"Each year, we want to do two things with this race: We want to provide the town with a good event, something for the whole community, and then, if there are any proceeds, and there usually are, we want to give a little something back and help out around town.

"And we like to give a little something back to the runners, too. That's why we do the awards, and the t-shirts, and why we try to make it a fun, festive atmosphere out in the courtyard after the race."

Last year, the race raised more than $3,000, which was donated to a number of local organizations in need of a helping hand. Acushnet schools make out pretty good in the deal, too, as race funds in past years have gone towards the purchase of new basketball uniforms at the Ford Middle School, art supplies, furniture and more.

One last note, the race organizers want to get out the word that there will be no team sign-ups or changes in team rosters on the day of the race, so it is advised that those intending to run as or with a team plan accordingly and register online.

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